Thanks everyone! 
I attached some zscripts to try to answer questions better.
The “positioning” script shows how I position zsphere tools together in relation to one another. The trick is basically using one marker position for everything. When I’m positioning one tool in relation to another, I have the other tool drawn on the canvas in different views, each view marked with a different marker. I’ll then click on a marker corresponding to a certain view to edit a tool in that particular orientation. The script also shows a little bit of inserting local and connecting meshes.
The “ribbon” script shows how I created flat clothing like the clothing tutorial above as well as how I position the ribbon in relation to another tool.
The “medallions” script shows how I use insert local mesh to create and arrange medallions like those on her skirt.
And the “chains” script shows how I use insert local mesh and insert connecting mesh to create poseable chains.
Hopefully they’re not too confusing. Be sure to click “Show Actions” after loading them in case they whiz by too fast. The “chains” script will also ask you to confirm making a polymesh at one point.
I know there’s also a great multi-marker zscript somewhere for handling multiple objects but I haven’t tried it yet.
On a side note, Blizzard extended the deadline.
http://www.blizzard.com/inblizz/contests/artcontest2006/
p.s. I’ll try to check out that zsphere thread, Jason! 